Mechanisms of protection against damage mediated by the Maillard reaction in aging

In order to prevent or escape the ongoing damage to proteins and DNA resulting from amino-carbonyl reactions, the organism has to have powerful defense mechanisms. If the Maillard reaction played a role in determining longevity among mammalian species, one would expect protective mechanisms to be more developed in long- versus short-lived species. This article summarizes current knowledge in this field, and discusses the concept of anti-Maillard mechanisms as a basis for the genetic regulation of molecular damage by reducing sugars in aging and diabetes.